http://www.drivingsports.tv/images/nasioc_09wrx.jpg (http://www.drivingsports.com/site/2008/08/2009-subaru-wrx/)

Embargo is finally lifted on driving impressions for the 2009 Subaru Impreza and, like clockwork, the reviews have started to hit the web.

Video Reviews:
Driving Sports TV - "Revised, Redeemed" (http://www.drivingsports.com/site/2008/08/2009-subaru-wrx/) (Part 2 of the video we first posted (http://www.drivingsports.com/site/2008/08/2009-subaru-wrx-gravel-preview/) last week.)

Web Reviews:
Subiesport Magazine (http://www.subiesport.com/2008/08/2009-wrx-what-a.html) - "What a sport compact should be" (Remember to hit the Buzz button, let's get this one featured on Yahoo!)
Edmunds Inside Line (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=130748?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1 .*) - "Competitive again"
Automobile Magazine (http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/0808_2009_subaru_impreza_wrx/engine.html) - "Back to what it was"
Jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/400448/2009-subaru-impreza-wrx) - "Rewarding"
The Car Connection (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/2009-subaru-wrx-the-excitement-is-back/) - "Better than ever and ready to rumble"
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx_first_drive_review/(page)/1) - "Hallelujah"
Motor Trend (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0811_2009_subaru_impreza_wrx_first_drive/index.html) (slackers, a day late) - Did Todd just include "bifurcated" car review?

the wrx badge on the grill, stylish wheel color and standard rear spoiler make this a completely different car. Im really glad to see they re-worked the whole car from suspension to power. Now I can't wait to hear about the 2009 STi :D

If you have a 08 sell it sell it now:lol::lol:

for edmunds, you should have put the quote "welcome back, wrx" .. sounds more rewarding :)

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face

I really am back to reconsidering purchasing a WRX again. I had written off the WRX after the new model had debuted. I didn't anticipate Subaru acting so quickly to fix what they had ruined and purchased a car and house. Might be another year before I make another car purchase, but at least now I know I can go back to a Subaru dealership again.

Hah, I like jalopnik's where the guy talks about his "*******ry." Any review that makes up words like *******ry is alright by me.

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face
... and 08 wrx owners! :lol::lol::lol:

for edmunds, you should have put the quote "welcome back, wrx" .. sounds more rewarding :)
+1

"Competitive again" sounds like they picked the lamest blurb from the article to quote.

proof that SOA does listen to us. no more re92's :banana:

Love the new wagon!!:devil:
Uhhhmmmm...hatch?...car?!...Suby?!!!
Yeah! The new WRX!!!........................................Feee wwwwh!!!!!:rolleyes:

... and 08 wrx owners! :lol::lol::lol:
not really picked up my 08 premium otd for 23k:banana:

Now I can't wait to hear about the 2009 STi :D

Why do people keep saying this? SOA Blog has already stated no changes for the '09 STi.

So maybe I missed it womewhere else... what turbo does the '09 get?

So maybe I missed it womewhere else... what turbo does the '09 get?

Read the Edmunds article.

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face

:eek::eek::eek::D
25K?!?!? Mother of Sh**! Well, it just put a big ass smile on mine...

I Am Just Soooooo Glad I Leased Mine For Only 2 Years ! Can't Wait To Get A 2009 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I Am Shouting My Joy !

wooooooooo no more RE92's!!!

09's are going to be to cool for school. I still love my 08 though. :) A bigger turbo would be nice though!!! lol

This is going to best bang for your buck WRX ever. A stronger 5MT and STI spec turbo? Yes please.

The stage 2 spec of this car should have no problem putting down impressive numbers on the stock snail and yet still being 220 pounds lighter than an STI.

Very glad to see that Subaru finally added more grunt to the WRX.

Nick

I need to see one up close before I deviate from my plan of getting an 07 sti....but these could change my mind:)

Well. I'd like to start off by saying the '09 looks absolutely incredible! Reason being, I have a '08 that I just got for 22k with premium included and with exception to the front grill, a thin paint job on the wheels and some suspension upgrades, they look exactly the same! Nows the time to "wheel" and deal folks! Minor upgrades will save you money!

My take: WOOT!

The WRX makes do without the STI's flared fenders, nineteen-inch wheels, limited-slip differential, DCCD and SI-Drive driver-adjustable systems, six-speed manual (the WRX has only five forward gears), or Brembo brakes.

Um, what STI did they drive? ;)

And I love reading the comments, like this one at http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/2009-subaru-wrx-the-excitement-is-back/


August 15th, 2008 - 1:54 pm

In my opinion, adding horsepower cannot fix UGLY.
I appreciate that Subaru is trying, but I would still be embarrassed to drive the WRX or the STI.
They are that ugly.
And yes, I drive an 2006 WRX and I love my Subie.
Subaru needs to completely overhaul the design and give an aggressive-looking WRX. No KIA wagons, please.

finally!

Does anyone know what turbo exactly they are using? I heard people tossing around that it could be vf43 or vf46??

You have to admit that Subaru has never made a great looking car. When I bought my 02 WRX, I did not buy it for its looks


Jeremy

subaru has been known to always have out there designs that nobody really liked. back in the 70's they advertised the car as an ugly car!

the bug eye was voted one of the ugliest cars of its time and the 06 everyone HATED when it first came out and I think its one of the better looking ones now.

when the 02's came out i thought "god damn thats a ugly car, i must have one."
so, something works.

sadly i never did get a 02, i settled for a 04.

I doubt we will see this upgraded version of the wrx in Aus, after all it took a number of years before we finally got the 2.5L sti after the guys in the USA had received it.

It seems here they are relying on heavily discounting the price and offering "drive-away deals" to try to get the ugly things off the showroom floor.

Good to see you guys got the upgrade........still looks like crap though.

I think Subaru is trying to step up, to keep up with competition (the MazdaSpeed3 and Srt4 Caliber come to mind). I guess I'll have to give one of these a test drive when they come out.

I'm already calling dealerships about trading in my 05 LGT for the 09 WRX. This car brings it back home.

lol wow. they are giving the new wrx a whole lot of credit. "faster than a stage 2, and maybe even a stage 4" uhh...yeah...

I think Subaru is trying to step up, to keep up with competition (the MazdaSpeed3 and Srt4 Caliber come to mind). I guess I'll have to give one of these a test drive when they come out.


the srt4 caliber is no competition at all. torque steer > you.

The 09 has definately caught up to the competition, but why not dominate instead of just match them? Back in 01-02 the WRX was king. 227hp, turbo, awd, cheap price tag. The closest bargin car next to it was a GSR or ultra rare ITR. Subaru could have easily pushed this car with these components to 280hp. For close to 40k the STI needs to have at least 350hp. From what I can tell Japan no longer pays attention to that gentlemans 280hp cap, since its pushing out cars like the GTR.

lol wow. they are giving the new wrx a whole lot of credit. "faster than a stage 2, and maybe even a stage 4" uhh...yeah...


the srt4 caliber is no competition at all. torque steer > you.

Stage ratings don't really equate to overall performance ... just how much stuff is installed. :lol: I've driven Stage 4 cars that the new WRX could easily match. Though yes, I did say it with a dose of hyperbole.

i've never owned a new car in my life and I've got an 08 wrx that is just barely a month old. When I heard about all the upgrades for the 09 my first thought was well ****! Then I realized how lucky I am to have what I do and working on a Subie has always been the best part about owning one. Now I can go about upgrading my 08 with 09 parts as soon as 09 people start buying aftermarket turbos and suspension parts...WOO FREAKING WHOO!

I'm really interested to see what the turbo's like. Newer version of the VF35?

If you want to see it up close, we will have it on display at our dealership on August 20th for the day.

Greg T
Puente Hills Subaru

I'm really interested to see what the turbo's like. Newer version of the VF35?

09 for teh win.

08 owners are probably just like........what the ****



sorry guys :(

It's been a while since I've seen so many positive reviews of the WRX (or any Impreza really). Well done Subaru!

Now, where's my auto-up windows? ;)

i'd be afraid to buy an 09 for two reasons: A-look what changes they made from the first year of the new model B-subaru typically changes the external cosmetics every 2 years, at least of recently

i'd be too nervous about what the 2010 would look like...

did subaru basically put the 08LGT engine in the 09 wrx? obviously, the LGT's 2.5 is more powerful than the 08 wrx's. I know it's listed at 243 vs 265, but it dynos higher than one would expect for a 243 chp car (08 lgt dynos have consistently shown 200-220 whp) and the lgt and has higher 1/4mile trap speeds (around 99mph) despite being heavier

If not- then is subaru really proposing a 4th 2.5 liter turbo engine/powerplant variation in th '09 wrx??

1. the impreza 2.5GT/forester
2. The '09 WRX's 2.5 Turbo
2. the LGT's 2.5GT
4. The STI's 2.5 turbo

4 different setups for the same basic turbo engine seems like a bit of overkill

I am pissed at Subaru, as are most 08 owners I know. Glad I was able to trade in my 08 WRX before the 09s hit the showrooms. For my fun car I am going back to my old trusted E30 BMW. Not nearly as fast as the WRX, but they handle WAY better with minor suspension upgrades and cost less than one tenth as much for a nice one....and will run good on regular gas.

The 09s do look like a great package. Hopefully Subaru will offer some special trade in offers to those with 08s (doubt it though).

Good luck to all the 08 owners out there...

Im just going to wait for all to 08' guys to trade in there cars for 09's :p i dont mind doing some work for performance.

I must say though, good job subaru on the 09'.

The Turbo in the 2009 WRX, according to the engineers, is a 2007 STI turbo with the "Legacy-style" compressor cover. As far as my comments about the car being faster than a "Stage4" WRX, well, there is a pretty wide breadth of builds that can make a car "Stage4." The point was to illustrate just how much more powerful this car is.

Im just going to wait for all to 08' guys to trade in there cars for 09's :p i dont mind doing some work for performance.

I must say though, good job subaru on the 09'.


What good Job did they do? Thye didn't do anything but take the ideas from the 08 owners. We did the R&D for them and the lazy ass got off their chairs and put production.

Kinda sucks I have an 08 and then I find this! oh well maybe some special trade in I hope =[

Kinda sucks I have an 08 and then I find this! oh well maybe some special trade in I hope =[


The amount of money you would lose on trade in would not be worth it.
A few dealers in Canada said that I would lose 11k on trade in because they have a 4k incentive for the 08's atm.

Take the money you would lose on trade in and mod your car...and be happy with it.It's still a fantastic car.

i've never owned a new car in my life and I've got an 08 wrx that is just barely a month old. When I heard about all the upgrades for the 09 my first thought was well ****! Then I realized how lucky I am to have what I do and working on a Subie has always been the best part about owning one. Now I can go about upgrading my 08 with 09 parts as soon as 09 people start buying aftermarket turbos and suspension parts...WOO FREAKING WHOO!

see... that's how us 05 owners felt when the 06 came with a 2.5 block and 4/2 pot brakes...

oh well time to start modding

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face
i still say the DSG puts the mitsu ahead(worth the price). i am interested in seeing what type of response mitsu will pull out. maybe a 5mt ralliart in the near future as rumored? glad to see the wrx has gotten it's testicles back but i still don't care for the look.. though the small changes did make a nice improvement

I am sure part of this is Subaru woke up. Sales of the 08 WRX sucked hard (according to a few dealers in my region). I passed on the 08 WRX's myself and settled with a L-GT.

I am sure part of this is Subaru woke up. Sales of the 08 WRX sucked hard. I passed on the 08 WRX's myself and settled with a L-GT.

I heard it sold more than any previous impreza model.

And someone said they're essentially using the 2007 sti turbo? So the Vf39?

so because of the tire change, does this mean I would have to pick up a second set of tires for winter?

That was one of the things I liked about the re92 tires. They did well in the snow.

The amount of money you would lose on trade in would not be worth it.
A few dealers in Canada said that I would lose 11k on trade in because they have a 4k incentive for the 08's atm.

Take the money you would lose on trade in and mod your car...and be happy with it.It's still a fantastic car.

I just traded in my 08 and didn't lose my shirt. I didn't totally win out, but I was able to get close to the payoff for it (and I didn't put anything down when I bought it).

I should make a small adendum to the article that I see quoted across the site. The steering rack had some valving changes that helped reduce kick-back. The biggest complaint I had with the 2008 was the dampers. A good set of coilovers would go a long way to "fixing" that issue. I felt that even with springs and swaybars on the 2008 we tested with, that the dampers negated any gains to the handling. Sure it felt a little better but not enough to make me feel like it would be money well-spent. You would really need to alter the dampers with at least a Koni insert or, a full coilover setup.

Kinda sucks I have an 08 and then I find this! oh well maybe some special trade in I hope =[

Why the sad face?

Get front and rear sway bars, turbo back and AP. Your WRX will be allset. I don't care for the new rim color and I can always add a sti wing. Don't let the new 09 fool you.

see... that's how us 05 owners felt when the 06 came with a 2.5 block and 4/2 pot brakes...

oh well time to start modding

yeah i've have friends with 05's and I remember when they got them and the 06 came out it was like OH ****! I'm not really distressed. I know they did retouches on the body panels and ground effects etc.. but between the 08 and 09 they REALLY don't look that different.

so because of the tire change, does this mean I would have to pick up a second set of tires for winter?

That was one of the things I liked about the re92 tires. They did well in the snow.

Yeah, summer tires = go nowhere in the snow. For what it's worth though, RE92s do not make very good snow tires. I'd say they're great in dirt and mud, but after ~15,000 miles mine were scary in snowy stops.

all these positive reviews are merely comparing it to the dismal design of the 08's. It's still hideous. Still looks like a kia or some other garbage, but now it at least has the balls to wear the wrx badge.

the "improvements" are subtle, yet important. it's great to see that subaru is listening. a bigger turbo, stiffer suspension, no more re92's, and better looking wheels equate to one thing: a step in the right direction, performance-wise. not to mention the great looking interior.

as soon as they fix the rear i'll buy one, but until then, i'll remain a fan or wrx's of old.

overall:

glad to know subaru is listening to us.
interested in actual performance increases (i smell a test drive coming on)
i'll wait til the rear looks as good as the front.


oh and sucks for you 08 owners. pwn3d

i still say the DSG puts the mitsu ahead(worth the price). i am interested in seeing what type of response mitsu will pull out. maybe a 5mt ralliart in the near future as rumored? glad to see the wrx has gotten it's testicles back but i still don't care for the look.. though the small changes did make a nice improvement

I'm holding out to buy a 09 WRX....for now I'm stuck with the DSG GTI and cant stand it. Its all personal preference, I loved it at first and then it got old real fast. NEVER again will I go with a DSG style transmission.

I Am Just Soooooo Glad I Leased Mine For Only 2 Years ! Can't Wait To Get A 2009 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I Am Shouting My Joy !


Me too!

Although lets see what happens for 2010

The amount of money you would lose on trade in would not be worth it.
A few dealers in Canada said that I would lose 11k on trade in because they have a 4k incentive for the 08's atm.

Take the money you would lose on trade in and mod your car...and be happy with it.It's still a fantastic car.

Which dealers did you go to? In Calgary?

Yahoo just added a new feature that allows readers to "vote" on their favorite article and "buzz" them to the front page of Yahoo. In turn, we've added a button to make it easier to vote up Subiesport's articles. Personally, I think the new WRX is worthy of being buzzed to the top -- do your part by hitting the Buzz Up! button on the Subiesport feature: http://www.subiesport.com/2008/08/2009-wrx-what-a.html

well i bought an 08 and im pissed

Is there any pricing on the coming '09 GT model? I need a car soon, and was thinking of getting the '08 WRX. I'd like to know how much the GT will cost; since the '08 WRX === '09 GT :D

Is there any pricing on the coming '09 GT model? I need a car soon, and was thinking of getting the '08 WRX. I'd like to know how much the GT will cost; since the '08 WRX === '09 GT :D

GT only come in Auto.

Me too!

Although lets see what happens for 2010

Yeah if I hadn't bought the 08MY then I would DEFINATELY be waiting for the 2010 model year car. I would assume that the 2010 will have the same internals as the 08 and 09, but would likely see an improvement in its external styling.

I don't know why so many 08 owners are pissed off. Seriously I really don't undestand it at all. Its the same car. Only difference is the turbo (which we're still waiting to see what it is), and tighter suspension. Big whoop! If you're like me then you don't give a rats ass about tighter suspensions. All I'm interested in is going fast. Everything that they put onto the 09's is STILL stuff that I would be going aftermarket on anways...

My current mods:

Intake
Turbo Inlet
Blowoff/Recirc Valve
Downpipe
Catback
Shifter + bushings
Protune

Need to throw the bigger wheels on it soon....

My car already has surpassed 265hp! Even if I had bought the 09, I would have still changed everything out of it. The 08 saved me the money that I didn't spend on the 09 and I have more $ for modifications.

Soon to be installed :
FMIC
18G (or equivalent)
AEM Water injection
Pump
Injectors
Intake Manifold (maybe)

Look, the 08's are cheaper and leave more money for modifying. If I hadn't bought the 08 a few months ago then I would DEFINATELY be buying one today because I'm sure you can get a hell of a deal on them!

I find the "I bought an 08 WRX and I am pissed" comment to be hilarious.

It was YOUR decision to buy a car that had no business being a WRX. The design is uninspired and most importantly it performed below anything in it's segment.

It doesn't take a genius to research and make a decision based on reviews and test drives etc.

I would have never bought an 08, sorry to be harsh but you made the decision for yourself.

GT only come in Auto.

Sure, but should give an idea of what the '08 WRX's value really is now.

08 owners are probably just like........what the ****



sorry guys :(


EXACTLY LOL! It's all good, there will always be a better car out there than the one you have. It could be worse. I could be driving a mustang. :lol:

Yeah if I hadn't bought the 08MY then I would DEFINATELY be waiting for the 2010 model year car. I would assume that the 2010 will have the same internals as the 08 and 09, but would likely see an improvement in its external styling.

I don't know why so many 08 owners are pissed off. Seriously I really don't undestand it at all. Its the same car. Only difference is the turbo (which we're still waiting to see what it is), and tighter suspension. Big whoop! If you're like me then you don't give a rats ass about tighter suspensions. All I'm interested in is going fast. Everything that they put onto the 09's is STILL stuff that I would be going aftermarket on anways...

My current mods:

Intake
Turbo Inlet
Blowoff/Recirc Valve
Downpipe
Catback
Shifter + bushings
Protune

Need to throw the bigger wheels on it soon....

My car already has surpassed 265hp! Even if I had bought the 09, I would have still changed everything out of it. The 08 saved me the money that I didn't spend on the 09 and I have more $ for modifications.

Soon to be installed :
FMIC
18G (or equivalent)
AEM Water injection
Pump
Injectors
Intake Manifold (maybe)

Look, the 08's are cheaper and leave more money for modifying. If I hadn't bought the 08 a few months ago then I would DEFINATELY be buying one today because I'm sure you can get a hell of a deal on them!
**** the 09's i allready have the sti wing, rear crome delet, and sports grille that looks 10x better than the sti looking wrx grille....And to all those 08 owners crying you guys should go DIAF :diaf:....I got a sweet deal on my and with the money i saved i modded it...i highly doubt the 09's are gonna be 25k try 26-27k....With the money ive saved getting the 08 i got my self
Mods:
invidia v3 down pipe catless
invidia N1 style cbe
invidia up pipe
Perrin lcp
Aem CAI
Cobb springs
Perrin Front and rear sway bars
Perrin end links
cobb shifter bushings
perrin rear lock down and anti lift kit
Cobb tuner
Blue bat overlays

Parts to be installed:
TD06 18g Ported housing and coated
Perrin TMIC
750cc Injectors
walbro 255lph
Meth kit
Pink subaru badge front and rear
and some rims havnt decided on the style
Just waiting on the tmic to get in so i can slap everything on and get it tuned...and when an 09 wrx gets next to me im gonna :lol::lol::lol: while i pull trains on them....

EXACTLY LOL! It's all good, there will always be a better car out there than the one you have. It could be worse. I could be driving a mustang. :lol:
Lawls my boy with a mustang was like ooh man u got screwed.....i told him the same thing it could be worse i could be driving a mustang..lawz...

LOL, I had a feeling this might happen. Subaru rely heavily on thier performance image in the market to sell cars. What crosses over from one line (the wrx) has an impact on the image of the rest of it's lines.

The most intelligent decision Subaru could make, was to offer the 08's de-nutted model as a auto only (GT) package. The original reasoning for such a dramatic change to the WRX in the first place was an attempt at tageting the late 20 something female driver looking for a "sporty" car, which they did!!

The only problem was, this heavily affected the image across thier other more "enthusiast" based lines. So tweaking the09's to retain the enthusiast's image but, retaining the "GT" package for the "more refined crowd" was a good move.

Now Subaru can still focus on a more performance oriented car while still being able to offer something for the rest of the market.

We should all feel good about being enthusiasts to a make that actually responds to what thier buyers are telling them, rather then relying on a new marketing strategy to sell thier cars.

Sure, but should give an idea of what the '08 WRX's value really is now.

It does mean anything. I didn't buy my car for resale value and if i was going to do something I would rather pick other things.Too many ppl giving the new 09 too much credit. They under rated 08 power anyways so the 08 is not a loss in my eyes.

It does mean anything. I didn't buy my car for resale value and if i was going to do something I would rather pick other things.Too many ppl giving the new 09 too much credit. They under rated 08 power anyways so the 08 is not a loss in my eyes.

^Agreed!

It does mean anything. I didn't buy my car for resale value and if i was going to do something I would rather pick other things.Too many ppl giving the new 09 too much credit. They under rated 08 power anyways so the 08 is not a loss in my eyes.

So what are the real power ratings like?

I love all the people STILL bashing on the 08's when its evident they haven't ever driven driven one, or even given the car a second look. Is the 09 an improvement? Yes, absolutely. Was the 08 a "de-nutted" Kia that never deserved to wear the WRX badge? IMO, no, not by a long shot. The 08's definitely have their quirks, but aside from a suspension that many would call too mushy it really was a fantastic car. Now, they have ironed out all the little imperfections by tweaking the same things pretty much every 08 owner has already done -- yet to the average myopic "enthusiast" it might as well be a totally new car. Now all of the sudden every 15 year old arm chair rally driver on NASIOC, probably still with their learners permit, is lecturing all of us 08 owners about how foolish we were for buying a car that "never was supposed to be a WRX" :rolleyes:. LOL!

Firstly, I don't have anything against more power, but I also like my turbo to be as transparent as possible. I absolutely hate waiting for power to come on, and I'd rather have a small turbo that runs out of steam at the very top end then one that doesnt come on until half way through the rev range. Personally, I like my turbo spooling instantly and hitting hard real low in the RPM range. I also like my soft suspension for daily driving (I have yet to encounter a road course on my way to work, but I can always find lots of potholes -- so why is my soft suspension such a bad thing?). There are lots of little neat improvements on the new model, but most people are overlooking the fact that by far the biggest improvement to handling isn't the dampers or spring rates, it is simply ditching the GOD AWFUL RE92's for a good tire. Obviously, the actual suspension bits are important too, but with those RE92's even the 08's mushy setup is HEAVILY hindered. I am most excited for the 09's to come out just so I have some better/cheaper parts to choose from. I plan on going stage 2 and keeping and my small turbo because I like its powerband, however if I do decide to change it, I now have another great and inexpensive option to do so. I gotta be honest though, just my stage 1 Perrin reflash (running the car at 17psi) is pretty damn quick. Sure, I won't beat any lambos, but the fact is I still can romp on about 99% of all the cars out there. I like that the 09's are coming out with new parts -- what I envision as the perfect WRX for me contains both 08 and 09 parts, and since they are interchangeable Subaru just made it a heck of a lot easier for me to do so. To sum it all up, I just want to let people out there know that not all of us 08 owners feel burned. In fact I think many of us are excited at the prospect of these new fun parts to play with. To those 08 owners who feel jacked by Subaru for releasing this new model -- don't ever buy another product made by anyone ever again. New versions of things come out with new and better features. Deal with it, or just buy used for the rest of your life.

So what are the real power ratings like?

This is direct from Perrin

http://www.perrinperformance.com/pages/show/68

2008 PERRIN Stage 1 WRX Results

I learned a few things from my vaction in Maui. If you dont own a GM product, you must live there, Gas is $4.10 for premium, Mike D from GreenDay shops at the ABC stores, WRX/STI are very rare, Legacys do not exist, Chevy Cobalts have launch control,(good for make it actualy go fast), only 1 road with 55mph limit, all the rest were 35 or 25, and Poi is nasty!
After 10 days off, its time to get back to work! While we made a good first impression with the tuning we did on our STI, Cobb Released the 08 WRX AP's and it was time to start selling them! We could just simply sell them with the base Cobb Maps, but that is no fun! After playing catch up all week, Saturday was my first free day, and here is what i did!
To make things clear as to how we tested our 2008 WRX sedan (yes, not the hatchback, its definately not stock). We are using the same Dynapack as we always use, using the same basic settings as we always do on Subarus. The runs were 14 seconds long, 3 seconds of launch, and on this car its done in 3rd gear. 3rd gear takes the car to 100+MPH so it works great.
Our base runs we did showed a peak of 210WHP and 245ft-lbs of tq. I thought this seemed a little high. High enough i had to go back on the internet to see what Subaru rated the 08 WRX in HP and TQ. No its the same, 224HP and 226ft-lbs at 2800 RPM. Did Subaru under rate this car? Given the WHP and TQ we saw, if you compare it to our STI's base readings, it makes the STI's 245WHP and 275ft-lbs not look so good. With all the dyno numbers we have seen on stock STIs (rated at 300HP) The 245WHP range has been exceptable as equaling 300 engine HP. So if 240-ish means 300 engine HP, what does, 210WHP mean in engine HP?? Surely not 224HP!

I love all the people STILL bashing on the 08's when its evident they haven't ever driven driven one, or even given the car a second look. Is the 09 an improvement? Yes, absolutely. Was the 08 a "de-nutted" Kia that never deserved to wear the WRX badge? IMO, no, not by a long shot. The 08's definitely have their quirks, but aside from a suspension that many would call too mushy it really was a fantastic car. Now, they have ironed out all the little imperfections by tweaking the same things pretty much every 08 owner has already done -- yet to the average myopic "enthusiast" it might as well be a totally new car. Now all of the sudden every 15 year old arm chair rally driver on NASIOC, probably still with their learners permit, is lecturing all of us 08 owners about how foolish we were for buying a car that "never was supposed to be a WRX" :rolleyes:. LOL!

Firstly, I don't have anything against more power, but I also like my turbo to be as transparent as possible. I absolutely hate waiting for power to come on, and I'd rather have a small turbo that runs out of steam at the very top end then one that doesnt come on until half way through the rev range. Personally, I like my turbo spooling instantly and hitting hard real low in the RPM range. I also like my soft suspension for daily driving (I have yet to encounter a road course on my way to work, but I can always find lots of potholes -- so why is my soft suspension such a bad thing?). There are lots of little neat improvements on the new model, but most people are overlooking the fact that by far the biggest improvement to handling isn't the dampers or spring rates, it is simply ditching the GOD AWFUL RE92's for a good tire. Obviously, the actual suspension bits are important too, but with those RE92's even the 08's mushy setup is HEAVILY hindered. I am most excited for the 09's to come out just so I have some better/cheaper parts to choose from. I plan on going stage 2 and keeping and my small turbo because I like its powerband, however if I do decide to change it, I now have another great and inexpensive option to do so. I gotta be honest though, just my stage 1 Perrin reflash (running the car at 17psi) is pretty damn quick. Sure, I won't beat any lambos, but the fact is I still can romp on about 99% of all the cars out there. I like that the 09's are coming out with new parts -- what I envision as the perfect WRX for me contains both 08 and 09 parts, and since they are interchangeable Subaru just made it a heck of a lot easier for me to do so. To sum it all up, I just want to let people out there know that not all of us 08 owners feel burned. In fact I think many of us are excited at the prospect of these new fun parts to play with. To those 08 owners who feel jacked by Subaru for releasing this new model -- don't ever buy another product made by anyone ever again. New versions of things come out with new and better features. Deal with it, or just buy used for the rest of your life.

+1 You read my mind.

still no lsd... the ralliart has front and rear lsd

The runs were 14 seconds long, 3 seconds of launch, and on this car its done in 3rd gear. 3rd gear takes the car to 100+MPH so it works great.

Do you either mean 4th gear, or possibly a lower speed? I find that 3rd is good for about 80mph (perfect for quick highway passing).

Yeah if I hadn't bought the 08MY then I would DEFINATELY be waiting for the 2010 model year car. I would assume that the 2010 will have the same internals as the 08 and 09, but would likely see an improvement in its external styling.

I don't know why so many 08 owners are pissed off. Seriously I really don't undestand it at all. Its the same car. Only difference is the turbo (which we're still waiting to see what it is), and tighter suspension. Big whoop! If you're like me then you don't give a rats ass about tighter suspensions.

then why didnt you get a mustang.

08 owners should be pissed. Sure you can mod your 08, but you could have had a better handling and more powerful 09 WITHOUT voiding the warranty. Plus a bigger tubro means a bigger stage 2 :)

then why didnt you get a mustang.

08 owners should be pissed. Sure you can mod your 08, but you could have had a better handling and more powerful 09 WITHOUT voiding the warranty. Plus a bigger tubro means a bigger stage 2 :)
You sir should DIAF:diaf::diaf:...DO you own an 08?? IF not **** AND GTFO:banana::banana:

then why didnt you get a mustang.

08 owners should be pissed. Sure you can mod your 08, but you could have had a better handling and more powerful 09 WITHOUT voiding the warranty. Plus a bigger tubro means a bigger stage 2 :)

I guess the 09 owners should get pissed when the 2010 comes out with new mods. Something is always be better, if you think like that you will never be happy. Dude do you even own a Subaru?

I like to get the full spec on the 09 turbo before I give it any glory.

Do you either mean 4th gear, or possibly a lower speed? I find that 3rd is good for about 80mph (perfect for quick highway passing).


I took that from Perrin's site and thats what they said.

Nice improvements.

I guess the 09 owners should get pissed when the 2010 comes out with new mods. Something is always be better, if you think like that you will never be happy. Dude do you even own a Subaru?
.

Two as a matter of fact

You sir should DIAF:diaf::diaf:...DO you own an 08?? IF not **** AND GTFO:banana::banana:

Nope, my WRX has an LSD :P I don't have to own an 08 WRX to know it was meh.

it will kcik asrse

Two as a matter of fact



Nope, my WRX has an LSD :P I don't have to own an 08 WRX to know it was meh.
LSD is over rated...:banana:

yea, I wonder why the STI still has them....

So hopefully the resale value on a 08 WRX w/AT will be in the gutter because it's an 08 AND an AT, then I can pick up a cheap 08 WRX AT and swoop on somebody's stock 09 take-off parts when they upgrade and I can have a 265 HP WRX AT!!:banana:

So hopefully the resale value on a 08 WRX w/AT will be in the gutter because it's an 08 AND an AT, then I can pick up a cheap 08 WRX AT and swoop on somebody's stock 09 take-off parts when they upgrade and I can have a 265 HP WRX AT!!:banana:

how far in the gutter do you think?

how far in the gutter do you think?

Probably not as far as I'd like. I don't think people who buy AT WRX are too concerned that the '09 is better. Partly because they don't value all out performance as other WRX owners, and also because the 09 GT is technically no better than the 08 WRX AT. So they won't be in any hurry to get rid of their WRX AT.

But anyway, I'll be on the lookout.

I dont know about you guys but frankly the part I want the most off the 09 is the spiffy new embroidered seats :D

08 owners should be pissed. Sure you can mod your 08, but you could have had a better handling and more powerful 09 WITHOUT voiding the warranty. Plus a bigger tubro means a bigger stage 2 :)

You're absolutely right, except for the small detail that the 2009 wasn't even a rumor when most of us bought our 08's. If I was buying a car today then sure, I can have those added benefits if I wait a little while-- but the fact is I COULDN'T have had the "better" 09, because they didn't exist one year ago when I got my car, plus no one even knew they would. Also, how is this different than buying any other product? Things improve as time goes on, that is painfully obvious :rolleyes: You know you should be pissed you bought the computer you are using, because in a year there will be a faster cheaper one with more features. You should be pissed you bought that cell phone you're using...or that TV you're watching...

The difference is that cars generally have a long shelflife then a tv, cell phone , computer.

I bought an 06 after the changes from an 05, generally expecting the 07 to be the same, nobody could have or should have expected the 09 to be different, which is why I would be upset if I had purchased the 08. Like I said though, only you have to be satisfied with your, and if the 08 makes you happy then don't be pissed, just dont resell. Stage 2 engine and suspension mods seem to really wake up the car.

As an 08 owner, I completely expect you to minimize and justify your purchase...I would.

The difference is that cars generally have a long shelflife then a tv, cell phone , computer.

I bought an 06 after the changes from an 05, generally expecting the 07 to be the same, nobody could have or should have expected the 09 to be different, which is why I would be upset if I had purchased the 08. Like I said though, only you have to be satisfied with your, and if the 08 makes you happy then don't be pissed, just dont resell. Stage 2 engine and suspension mods seem to really wake up the car.

As an 08 owner, I completely expect you to minimize and justify your purchase...I would.

Like I said why is everyone so worried about resell value? It's a car and resell value shouldn't be 1st on your mind.

EnterTheDragon it's harder for car companys to sell their cars right now and thats why they make little changes here and there on their new model to compete with other companys.

On the side note I got my Subiesport and on the cover this is what it said. "2009 WRX Subaru Finally Builds A WRX For Us! Faster, Tighter and Better Looking.

Come on they modded the grill and guess what people were already doing that and they added the STI wing.

Faster hmmmmmm I like to see the 09 vs 08 on a drag strip. Yes they changed the turbo biut know has any specs on it. (08 was underrated anyway )

Tighter - Fine new dampers and springs. I didn't mind my 08 setup anyway

To sum it up Subiesport it's not a redesign WRX and all they did was took the 08 owners idea.

Come on they modded the grill and guess what people were already doing that and they added the STI wing.


now it's done for you without having to purchase it after market


Faster hmmmmmm I like to see the 09 vs 08 on a drag strip. Yes they changed the turbo biut know has any specs on it. (08 was underrated anyway )


I could care less about a straight line race, the 43% stiffer suspension, new sways, 225 summer tires are going to show their worth when turning is involved. In one of the videos I watched, the author was extremely stoked about the 09s handling abilities over the 08.


To sum it up Subiesport it's not a redesign WRX and all they did was took the 08 owners idea.

and improved an otherwise dull car.

now it's done for you without having to purchase it after market



I could care less about a straight line race, the 43% stiffer suspension, new sways, 225 summer tires are going to show their worth when turning is involved. In one of the videos I watched, the author was extremely stoked about the 09s handling abilities over the 08.



and improved an otherwise dull car.


I'll keep my 08 tires and be happy in the snow. I live in MA and I rather have traction all four seasons.

Faster hmmmmmm I like to see the 09 vs 08 on a drag strip. Yes they changed the turbo but know has any specs on it.

Anyone who has a VF39 on a WRX knows how much better the motor pulls. Just look at the new factory specs -- the top end is really opened up, giving the motor a much wider power band.

I predict the 2009 will break into the 13's easily, with a significantly higher trap speed. Shall we say 13.8 at 104 mph? :banana:

I'll keep my 08 tires and be happy in the snow. I live in MA and I rather have traction all four seasons.

like I said, justify it however you want to. I ditched my re92s for Pzero Neros, but would have loved my wrx to come with dedicated summer tires, so I could just purchase a dedicated winter tire and have the best of both worlds. And dont even try and say the re92 are anything more than a decent tire in the snow.

Instead I run a compromise all year around and the re92s collect dust

http://www.drivingsports.com/blog/2008/08/2009-subaru-wrx.html

I can't wait to see what a stage 2 09 does even though I told myself that if I bought another subie it would be an sti.

If you want to see it up close, we will have it on display at our dealership on August 20th for the day.

Greg T
Puente Hills Subaru

was it the vf35?

Does anyone know when these will be at the dealerships?

After Sept. 1.

I think they still look like ass. I'll keep my '02 thank you very much. For the same cost as a new '09 WRX (or less), I'd rather just buy a used '04 or '05 STI.

I think they still look like ass. I'll keep my '02 thank you very much. For the same cost as a new '09 WRX (or less), I'd rather just buy a used '04 or '05 STI.

04/05 STi not wagony enough.

Wagons FTW!


NOw that I think about it, I bet there will be some great deals to be had on the the 08 WRXs. I will have to keep an eye on fitzmall's prices. Sure the 09 sounds choice, but coming from a 1996 OBS with 172k on the ODO, I think that an 08 would still knock me on my arse.

It's A Fricking Mazda 3 Hatchback With A Turbo. What A Rip Off. If I Wanted A Mazda I Would Buy One. Dumbest Change Of A Body Style I Have Ever Seen '08 AND '09 SUCKS ASS

It's A Fricking Mazda 3 Hatchback With A Turbo. What A Rip Off. If I Wanted A Mazda I Would Buy One. Dumbest Change Of A Body Style I Have Ever Seen '08 AND '09 SUCKS ASS

Can you tell me how is it a copy of a Mazda speed 3? I'm pretty sure Subaru had turbo wagons way before Mazda. Give some good reason why the 08 and 09 sucks ass? People like you just don't like change and any change they made was a plus. Only screw up they made was on the paint and thats a maybe.

the 09 is the best wrx ever made. if you think the 09 sucks ass then i guess all wrx sucks ass, including every model below the wrx, like your obs

I hated the 5-door look when it first came out, but its growing on me quickly and I actually like it now. I have a GTI now so I'm used to the hatch look anyway.

It's A Fricking Mazda 3 Hatchback With A Turbo. What A Rip Off. If I Wanted A Mazda I Would Buy One. Dumbest Change Of A Body Style I Have Ever Seen '08 AND '09 SUCKS ASS

you drive a ****ing outback sport. you dont get to talk

llol burn

Enough with the whining about the car's looks already. Come up with some more constructive criticism. When I hear someone saying an 04-05 looks better than an 08-09 I just gotta :rolleyes:

My wife's 08 2.5i w/PP 5dr grew on me. It's a sharp little car, her friends mistake it for a newer BMW at first glance (makes her happy). As far as I am concerned, it looks good enough plus it packs AWD for our winters. Take away the AWD and I don't think the Impreza is a great car anymore. It's still better looking than a Corolla!

well its dispute that the new wrx is a great car, internally. externally, well... subaru kinda fvcked up in my perspective. the new hatch would have been a nice design for the outback exclusively but not the wrx. even though i am obsessed with subarus, the new 09' lancers $H*T all over the new wrx's.... in looks. as opposed to handling and engine performance the wrx dominates.

Subaru hopes this lesser version of the Impreza — basically the same spec as the 2008 WRX but only available with an automatic transmission — will capture buyers who want a softer, less powerful WRX. You know, girls.

haha, the auto tranny 08 is a girls car, which makes the 08 5MT just a girl's car with a 5 speed. :lol:

^girls think the bugeyes have cute headlights, i guess your bugeye is a girls car too.

:lol::lol::lol::banana:^girls think the bugeyes have cute headlights, i guess your bugeye is a girls car too.

just because a girl calls it cute doesn't mean it's necessarily a girl's car. nice try though. :lol:

oh yeah, the bugeye is for sale anyway...

...but then again the previous owner of my STi was actually a girl... :lol:

My Girl can use a manual gearbox better than most on these boards, Plus a Yamaha Banshee 350, My Triumph Bonneville...And she has boobs~ ;)

just because a girl calls it cute doesn't mean it's necessarily a girl's car. nice try though. :lol:



but because one magazine called the 08 a girls car, that makes it a girls car? :huh:

My Girl can use a manual gearbox better than most on these boards, Plus a Yamaha Banshee 350, My Triumph Bonneville...And she has boobs~ ;)


you win... at life.

good job

It's A Fricking Mazda 3 Hatchback With A Turbo. What A Rip Off. If I Wanted A Mazda I Would Buy One. Dumbest Change Of A Body Style I Have Ever Seen '08 AND '09 SUCKS ASS

gigawatt73
Scooby Newbie

2006 Outback Sprt SE
Crystal Steele

Just wanted to add my comment of not only are you out of line and place considering you're driving a 170hp wagon,
you can't even spell the color of your car correctly.
you combined the two colors available, and then also spelled STEEL wrong.
Steel Gray Metallic
Crystal Gray Metallic

Only Steel gray was offered on your model, if it really is your car.

Just wanted to add my comment of not only are you out of line and place considering you're driving a 170hp wagon,
you can't even spell the color of your car correctly.
you combined the two colors available, and then also spelled STEEL wrong.
Steel Gray Metallic
Crystal Gray Metallic

Only Steel gray was offered on your model, if it really is your car.

:disco::disco::banana::banana:

but because one magazine called the 08 a girls car, that makes it a girls car? :huh:

Yes, lol...

(when you guys figure out that I'm just messing with the 08 owners let me know, until then, carry on!) :D

Just wanted to add my comment of not only are you out of line and place considering you're driving a 170hp wagon,
you can't even spell the color of your car correctly.
you combined the two colors available, and then also spelled STEEL wrong.
Steel Gray Metallic
Crystal Gray Metallic

Only Steel gray was offered on your model, if it really is your car.


Crystal Steel? See through Subaru, yes please.:disco: But not on an outback.

If you have a 08 sell it sell it now:lol::lol:

No offense to '08 owners, but it's the first rule of new car buying:

NEVER buy a car the 1st model year it comes out.

I still don't know why people do it.

SOTC

I heard it sold more than any previous impreza model.

Where? I have seen ONE on the road in Austin all month. I see 25 old-school ones a day.



And someone said they're essentially using the 2007 sti turbo? So the Vf39?

Nope. 07 uses a VF43.

SOTC

Im buying a 09 in the next few months :)

My STI is giving me to many problems being a used car so owning a brand new car will be oh so nice.

Will the 08 parts fit on the 09? i really dont want to have to wait to start modding the car.

I love the performance, but it looks like a little like a chevette.

"Pricing starts at $17,495 for the entry-level Impreza 2.5i four-door which adds stability control as a standard feature for 2009. The 2.5i five-door starts at $17,995 with a manual transmission. Moving up to the WRX, the new manual-only base model starts at $24,995 for the four-door and $25,595 for the five-door. The new GT models start at $$26,995 for the four-door, inclusive of the Premium equipment package, with the five-door starting at $27,495. Pricing for the popular Outback Sport models remains unchanged starting at $19,995 as does pricing for the Impreza WRX STI model starting at $34,995. A destination charge of $665 applies in all of the lower 48 states."

Seems the GT is a bit too expensive for me. You can get a lot of car for $27K (at $27K I might as well look at slightly used performance sedans from other manufacturers), it seems the GT is STILL strapped down with a required Premium Package. I was hoping that the MSRP would be more like $24-25K but it seems Subaru insists the AT model be burdened with unnecessary stuff. :(

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/subaru-preparing-impreza-gt-and-265hp-wrx-for-2009-model-year/

what a horrible review. its the same car.

what a horrible review. its the same car.

same car with a better looking areo package / more power/ better tires/ better suspension/ red accented interior/ diff. color wheels ....yup same car :rolleyes:

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face

Seriously, wow.

It's A Fricking Mazda 3 Hatchback With A Turbo. What A Rip Off. If I Wanted A Mazda I Would Buy One. Dumbest Change Of A Body Style I Have Ever Seen '08 AND '09 SUCKS ASS


Yea I like the Mazdaspeed3 as well, but the WRX has AWD and that trumps some complicated anti-torque-steering system anyday.

Latest word from my favorite stealership:

" Good to hear from you. The 2009 WRXs are starting to arrive (we should have our first shipment in a couple of weeks). The WRX is available in 4 trims: Basic, Premium, Premium with Navigation and Satellite Radio and a GT Premium with automatic transmission. Prices for the sedans range from $25,600 to $27,600 and the 5-doors range from $26,100 to $28,100.
Besides a variety of options that are packaged as groups, the following individual options are available: sport grill, roof carrier, side cargo nets,
auto-dimming mirror with compass and/or compass and Homelink, center armrest extension, fog lights, cargo tray, rear seat cup holders, all weather mats, Sirius or XM Satellite radio and a subwoofer/amplifier.

Hope this helps. Let me know how I may be of assistance. Thanks!!!"

Larry DiGiovanni
Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru
12520 Wayzata Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN 55305

Well, as an 08MY owner, i'm kinda salty they added all the body candy I wanted for what will probably be a similar price.

But hell, who really goes factory anyway???

so heres the deal, my lease on my 2005 2.5rs ends december and im definitely getting a 2009 5door wrx. Heres my problem tho, the summer tires in december. I would like to keep those stock anthracite rims with the 225 summers as my non winter tires cuz they are the bomb and plenty of rubber for me until mod the car. Whats the cheapest winter rims i can find. Im looking for something like 16"x 6.5" as that should be good for winter tires. I was even lookin for some steel rims because i wanna pay as little as possible for the rims. The winter tires, i won't mind spending decent cash on, but not for the rims. Any one know of some cheap 16s that'll fit the 09 wrx?

By the time my car actually comes in, there might be snow on the ground. The wheels look like they are the same as the '08s just a different color. So, tirerack.com has a 16x6.5" snow package for the '08 WRX for $570 (steel wheels and Blizzaks). Seems tempting for a quick fix. Can anyone confirm such wheels will fit the 2009 WRX?

Its now on the us subaru site http://www.subaru.com/animal couldnt see this anywhere so i thought post it up

we've received our first shipments...

got a fully loaded one this morning, spt exhaust, embroidered seats, diffuser, short shifter, durcon shift knob and more... $27k is the sticker price

Car looks great... I dont want a car payment again, but I may have to get one of these :D

By the time my car actually comes in, there might be snow on the ground. The wheels look like they are the same as the '08s just a different color. So, tirerack.com has a 16x6.5" snow package for the '08 WRX for $570 (steel wheels and Blizzaks). Seems tempting for a quick fix. Can anyone confirm such wheels will fit the 2009 WRX?

im pretty sure my 08 had 17s stock

im pretty sure my 08 had 17s stock

You misread what I wrote. I know the 2008 had 17" wheels stock. Tirerack.com has a snow package for the 2008 which consists of 16 x 6.5" steelies mounted to Blizzaks for $570. My question was weather or not the 2009 17" wheels are the same as the 2008 wheels except just a different color. My hopes are the same snow package will fit 2009 WRXs. On the other hand, if the brakes are larger on the 2009, they could potentially still fit under the same 17" wheels as the 2008 WRX but won't fit under the 16" snow package tirerack.com has. I guess I'll know once they've updated their site.

Finally, a thorough road test:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&article_id=7103

5.1 0-60, 13.8 sec 1/4 mile!

its a huge upgrade...still ugly as dogturd though, they should seriously redesign the next gen as a throwback to the gca/gda minus bugeyes, make it looks like a aggressive rally car, not a kia.

25k :eek:
that outa wipe the smile of mitsu's face

:eek::eek::eek::D
25K?!?!? Mother of Sh**! Well, it just put a big ass smile on mine...

I just picked mine up for around invoice. the $25k is ballpark for the standard 4-door ($500 more for the 5-door). My 4-door Premium was in the low-$27k range (about $28k out the door with taxes, etc)...bought the day after the first truck made its deliveries to this area (each dealer got 1 hatch and 1 sedan).

I liked some of the features on the premium so the xtra $2-3k is well worth it in my book. Especially the winter package with heated seats, mirrors, and windshield wiper area....Oh, and the Bose stereo is far superior to the stock Bose on my old Maxima...sounds almost as good as the Alpine setup I had.

I still wish Subaru would use slightly nicer dash and door panel materials though. That's the two parts of the car that really feel and look CHEAP (though the center console and controls are very nice). But maybe I'm just jaded having driven a loaded Maxima for 6 years.

I only have 100 miles on it right now but it's alot of fun to drive so far. Keeping it chill while I break it in for 500 or more miles, so I haven't really opened it up too much or autocrossed it (yet).

I do agree that the styling is kind of boring, but I'm 32 so I don't need to look like a kid racer, and the low-key looks really makes it a sleeper (especially in the sedan) to both other drivers and to the police....

the new wrx is like that local hooker you give a shot of penicilen and a mary kate make over.... its still an ugly hooker.....sorry guys this thing is just to damn ugly compared to years past... i wish i could get excitied over it i really do. :sadbanana:

the new wrx is like that local hooker you give a shot of penicilen and a mary kate make over.... its still an ugly hooker.....sorry guys this thing is just to damn ugly compared to years past... i wish i could get excitied over it i really do. :sadbanana:
Just wait till the 09s start selling and people start modding the 08's 09's

people will sway

Test drove one yesterday. Yeah...it's faster and doesn't feel like the factory forgot to install swaybars; but why is it still so fugly??? Come on subaru...you almost got it right this year!:diaf:

Finally got to see an '08 sedan on the highway the other day. From the front, it looks just as aggressive as the '06/07(with the mesh grille of course). The rear could use some work though, right away I thought about how stupid the chrome strip on the trunk looks. Although it didn't look so great in WRB or whatever they called it for 08.

the new wrx is like that local hooker you give a shot of penicilen and a mary kate make over.... its still an ugly hooker.....sorry guys this thing is just to damn ugly compared to years past... i wish i could get excitied over it i really do. :sadbanana:
You need to remember Subaru is going for a bigger audience. Whatever they do to WRX affects the standard impreza. So don't hold your breathe thinking they are going to go back to the 'old school' look. Although I think they should have flared fenders on the new WRX's.

the new wrx is like that local hooker you give a shot of penicilen and a mary kate make over.... its still an ugly hooker.....sorry guys this thing is just to damn ugly compared to years past... i wish i could get excitied over it i really do. :sadbanana:

Yeah its hard to see such a big change but for me it whats kept me in an Impreza body and not going to the Legacy. For those out there who wanted something a little bigger, more spacious, and a nice interior feel the 08/09 WRX is just what was needed. I love all the rex's but the new ones just feel a step up. The body is more conventional yes but I think once more kits start coming out and people get going on the subtle mods we're going to start seeing some badass rides come out of it. I love my 08 I feel like I'm part of the big boys club now cuz I just was never into huge wings, body kits, street glow and all that. I've always felt Subaru was a cut above compared to Honda, Nissan, Mazda, etc and I dunno why. If I had it my way I'd own a model from each year and love em all the same...isn't that the dream?

You misread what I wrote. I know the 2008 had 17" wheels stock. Tirerack.com has a snow package for the 2008 which consists of 16 x 6.5" steelies mounted to Blizzaks for $570. My question was weather or not the 2009 17" wheels are the same as the 2008 wheels except just a different color. My hopes are the same snow package will fit 2009 WRXs. On the other hand, if the brakes are larger on the 2009, they could potentially still fit under the same 17" wheels as the 2008 WRX but won't fit under the 16" snow package tirerack.com has. I guess I'll know once they've updated their site.

Don't know if you've solved your problem yet, but the Canadian web-site offers two different sets of 16" winter wheels as a factory accessory. That tells me you should be good to go.


On a different topic I like the new look. I'm talking 5 door. I don't think the sedan looks any different from what it's always been - boring. I say with no remorse that my WRX wagon is no looker, but I've always cared more about how it drives. Sport hatches are hot all over the world, but for some reason, Americans don't like them (as reflected on this board). Subaru was at least smart this remodel to keep the sedan as an option in the USDM.
I am one of those mature types that Subaru is catering to so don't put the hate on.;) I was going to retire the WRX and move to the mundane family hauler, but I've been waiting almost 6 months to get the Forester I want. (XT's are practically impossible to find in Canada) Reading about the new WRX certainly grabbed my interest and I am thinking very seriously about making the emotional choice over the rational one in the next couple days. Then again on the rational side, lease payments for the WRX are actually lower than for the Forester....:devil:

I have been lurking on this forum since I have been planning on getting a used WRX wagon for practical hauling and perhaps trying rallycross, but all this stuff about how impressive the 09 WRX is makes me consider buying a new one instead.

(Though I doubt the warranty folk would like me showing up with a mud covered WRX complaining about smashing a rim on a rock or whatnot. ;) )

Will the 2009 turbo and suspension upgrades fit on the 2008? I'd love to get the bigger turbo put on my '08 and maybe the suspension. I cant go to wild because I drive my car everyday for work. Any Subaru techs in the house?

Hi there,

I am happy to say that all the nice reviews about the 09 Impreza WRX are true.

I can say this because I just received mine last Friday! :banana:

It's a 2009 Impreza WRX Premium, 4 doors (my first Subaru ever...) and I am VERY pleased with it so far...Now I am just waiting for a bit of snow for some added fun! ;)

First impressions: very solid, very fast, very much glued to tarmac, real nice interior.

Will the 2009 turbo and suspension upgrades fit on the 2008? I'd love to get the bigger turbo put on my '08 and maybe the suspension. I cant go to wild because I drive my car everyday for work. Any Subaru techs in the house?


By the time you spend the money to do all that just trade in on the 09. It will be a wash with what you saved, plus way less hassle and still full warranty.

By the time you spend the money to do all that just trade in on the 09. It will be a wash with what you saved, plus way less hassle and still full warranty.

I bought the car in September and the day after I brought it home I saw the commercial for the '09. Oh yeah, I was pissed. I really dont want to trade it in. I tool a huge loss on my BMW when I traded it in and I dont want to take another loss. I guess I'll have to call my Subaru dealer and see what the parts guy says. I cant imagine the turbo would be much trouble, its the suspension Im a little conerned about. If worse comes to worse, I'll do the STi springs and leave it at that.

It has to be 3k easily to change all that. You will not be worse off with a trade in, believe me. Shop labor for all that, plus engine tune etc, to account for the biger turbo. Don;t forget the 09 has a new higher flowing exhaust and better transmission (upgrades) also. Save yourself a bunch of wasted money and just trade in.

Have 350 miles on my obp hatch.

Have installed harman cai and cobb springs..

tbe and tune will be next week

as well as numbers and pics:banana:

Where is the transmission upgrade info coming from?

^^^^

From Subaru: strengthened main shaft

I finally got a test drive in the new Ralliart. I was not impressed. Very loud engine and road noise. Very firm suspension. Cheap seats (GTS). Very plastic interior and very bland. Instruments were not great either. The SST trans was all over the place in city driving. Very lurch oriented and a lot of turbo lag, especially in sport mode. After driving a 09 WRX I do not think there is any comparison except the RA has a much more aggressive look. If you drive the RA in town in sports mode it wants to keep the RPM at 3500 or more. Drove me crazy. In normal it was more subdued but that trans would get on my nerves. Shifting all over the place and revving up and down a lot. Maybe I was just not used to it but again, I think I am going Subie.

I finally got a test drive in the new Ralliart. I was not impressed. Very loud engine and road noise. Very firm suspension. Cheap seats (GTS). Very plastic interior and very bland. Instruments were not great either. The SST trans was all over the place in city driving. Very lurch oriented and a lot of turbo lag, especially in sport mode. After driving a 09 WRX I do not think there is any comparison except the RA has a much more aggressive look. If you drive the RA in town in sports mode it wants to keep the RPM at 3500 or more. Drove me crazy. In normal it was more subdued but that trans would get on my nerves. Shifting all over the place and revving up and down a lot. Maybe I was just not used to it but again, I think I am going Subie.

I heard a review say that the SST will slowly engage the clutch on normal take-offs, causing the car to feel like it is having a hard time gettin going. The reviewer said the lag from pushing the gas to the SST slowly letting out the clutch to the turbo lag made the car feel very unsafe from a stop. He said if you floor it, then it drove OK. Sound about the same as what you experienced?

delete

I have 1000 miles on my 09 now, and it's going on the dyno on Saturday.
This car feels like it has more power than my 04 stg 2 had.

I have 1000 miles on my 09 now, and it's going on the dyno on Saturday.
This car feels like it has more power than my 04 stg 2 had.

post it up when you get it dyno'd. mine only has 550 miles and can't wait till i reach 1000 :devil:

post it up when you get it dyno'd. mine only has 550 miles and can't wait till i reach 1000 :devil:
I'll do that.

Does anybody know the engine displacement of of a JDM STI?

mine only has 550 miles and can't wait till i reach 1000 :devil:

Yeah, I'm at 250 miles and it feels like the car is crying to be pushed harder. I'd really like to know how EM will improve the '09's.

I just purchased an 09 Satin White Pearl Premium today. Can't wait to break it in....only flooring it to about 4500 and it FLYS! Handels great too. I had an 04' WRX sport wagon then went to a honda now back with Subie.

Dyno results here.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24220010#post24220010

Does anybody know the engine displacement of of a JDM STI?

2.0 liters as always.

right away I thought about how stupid the chrome strip on the trunk looks.

It is shiny, but it is not chrome :)

I just bought my first Subaru, the 2009 WRX, in October 2008. It was kind of on accident as we couldn't afford the Legacy GT Spec B that we were looking at. I started looking at the WRX's on the lot as I was desparate to get rid of my Mazda 6 which was giving me problems. I was surprised at how much space they had in the rear seat. The trunk space is smaller than my 6 (I had the hatchback) but it works. I was ok at driving a manual so I decided to give it a go. I bought the dark gray metallic hatchback premium edition. The sunroof is great and the heated seats a huge bonus.

I drive quite a distance to and from work so whatever I drive there needs to be FUN and quick in order to make the long commute enjoyable. I enjoy on-ramps and overpasses that curve around a bend. With the WRX I can take those so much faster than ever before which puts a HUGE smile on my face. It's not as fast as my fiance's 2006 STI but it works fine for me plus gets decent gas mileage even with my foot to the floor. :D

I have to say, to anyone who bought the 2008 WRX, what they say is true, sell it, trade it in, wreck it and collect the payout from your insurance (well maybe not the last one) and go and get the 2009! I can't wait to go take mine out on a track and play with my fiance and his brother in their STI's! Well, actually play catch up but I still get to play!

Good for you. I never knew heated seats were necessary in California!!

does the 2009 WRX come with limited slip diffs in the front and rear?

zero limited slips

This car feels like it has more power than my 04 stg 2 had.

It should feel like it has more power than your '04 due to the larger displacement engine. 2.5L > 2.0L

Good for you. I never knew heated seats were necessary in California!!

Spend some time in Northern Cali;)

It looks a little like a shoe but if the transmission is stronger I'll buy one.

i dont care for the body style. But if the tranny is stronger then i mite look in to getting another one.

Hi there,

I am happy to say that all the nice reviews about the 09 Impreza WRX are true.

I can say this because I just received mine last Friday! :banana:

It's a 2009 Impreza WRX Premium, 4 doors (my first Subaru ever...) and I am VERY pleased with it so far...Now I am just waiting for a bit of snow for some added fun! ;)

First impressions: very solid, very fast, very much glued to tarmac, real nice interior.
Congrats man. I'm hoping to get an '09 around summer of 2009.

Digging this thread back up since I may be purchasing a 09 WRX on friday.... Anyone have any good reasons not to buy a 09 WRX? Test drove one and loved it.

other than cheap-feeling interior panels, no...I have no good reasons not to buy one. Make sure it's a 2009 build date, not an 08 build date.

i'm quite enjoying mine.

I love my 09 WRX. I got the 4 -door version as I'm not much for hatchbacks. Premium with the navi is the way to go!

other than cheap-feeling interior panels, no...I have no good reasons not to buy one. Make sure it's a 2009 build date, not an 08 build date.

i'm quite enjoying mine.

+1.

I love Subarus and was deciding between a 2009 WRX hatch (prem.) and a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 GT (HID,auto-on lights,leather)..

There was two reasons why I chose the MS3 over the 09 hatch... mainly price difference (at the very least a 3k difference) and the interior.

Otherwise the WRX would have been my next car... AWD > FWD.

I just couldn't stand the out-dated plain looking interior.

+1.

I love Subarus and was deciding between a 2009 WRX hatch (prem.) and a 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 GT (HID,auto-on lights,leather)..

There was two reasons why I chose the MS3 over the 09 hatch... mainly price difference (at the very least a 3k difference) and the interior.

Otherwise the WRX would have been my next car... AWD > FWD.

I just couldn't stand the out-dated plain looking interior.

you won't need awd much as long as you can tame your right foot in 2nd. the ms3 does have a nicer interior than the wrx. but, alas, seeing as how you're in tx, i think you made the right decision... sorta. you'll never hear me fully support the ms3 :lol:. i'll make up excuses all day like you'll never hear the sweet boxer rumble, there's a better aftermarket for subies, etc.:D

you won't need awd much as long as you can tame your right foot in 2nd. the ms3 does have a nicer interior than the wrx. but, alas, seeing as how you're in tx, i think you made the right decision... sorta. you'll never hear me fully support the ms3 :lol:. i'll make up excuses all day like you'll never hear the sweet boxer rumble, there's a better aftermarket for subies, etc.:D

Haha yeah... there's quite a bit of torquesteer in the MS3... but that's not always a bad thing. Just reminds me i'm not driving a torqueless Honda. This is with the torque/power being limited in 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd gear is when you get to utilized all the power which is why the MS3 are pretty good from a 30-40 mph roll.

I actually went and test drove a 09 WRX before I got my MS3. Well at the time, I didn't know how to drive a stick so my cousin drove it (he drives a 04 STi). Everything was great but the interior... I just couldn't get over it since I rode in the MS3 about a hour before.

But the main reason was because of the 3-4k price difference... I got a killer deal on the MS3 and had to jump on it. I'm quite satisfied.

how much was the ms3? was the price difference with a wrx premium?


Haha yeah... there's quite a bit of torquesteer in the MS3... but that's not always a bad thing. Just reminds me i'm not driving a torqueless Honda. This is with the torque/power being limited in 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd gear is when you get to utilized all the power which is why the MS3 are pretty good from a 30-40 mph roll.

I actually went and test drove a 09 WRX before I got my MS3. Well at the time, I didn't know how to drive a stick so my cousin drove it (he drives a 04 STi). Everything was great but the interior... I just couldn't get over it since I rode in the MS3 about a hour before.

But the main reason was because of the 3-4k price difference... I got a killer deal on the MS3 and had to jump on it. I'm quite satisfied.

how much was the ms3? was the price difference with a wrx premium?
I looked at a 2010 MS3 base before I got the WRX.
The MS3 stickered 23,500 iirc, the WRX 25,696 (there was a Premium model on the lot for just under 28k, and another fully loaded for 30k*.*)
The Mazda dealership would have given me 2k more in trade on my '02 SE-R.
I liked the MS3 quite a bit, I'm trying to get a friend to look at one now.

A ton of people have been complaining about the interior. I was expecting some kind of Hyundai or Kia when I first went to test drive the 09 WRX from reading all of these horrible reviews on the interior. It really is not all that bad. Clearly you can tell that the interior is not of a BMW or Mercedes or something. But Subaru has done a great job of getting you a comfortable car that has AWD and a crap ton of GO.

I actually really like the look and feel of the interior.

The dealer I bought my WRX at (subaru/mazda/chevy/etc), they said they sold MS3's at sticker price, the WRX I got below invoice, barely more then the MS3 sticker. As long as you love your new car...all good :banana:


I looked at a 2010 MS3 base before I got the WRX.
The MS3 stickered 23,500 iirc, the WRX 25,696 (there was a Premium model on the lot for just under 28k, and another fully loaded for 30k*.*)
The Mazda dealership would have given me 2k more in trade on my '02 SE-R.
I liked the MS3 quite a bit, I'm trying to get a friend to look at one now.

I freaking love this car. Been a big fan of trhe WRX/STi's for a long time. I finally had a chane to get into one and it happened to be the 09 Hatch. Holy crap did I luck out with my timing and this model hitting the streets. I love the "sleepier" look of it and I can 't even describe the driving experience. I'm hunting every twist, rise, on-ramp, etc, to test the cars "finer" points. I love the fact that it's got minor "show" and major go. It's completely stock and will probably remain so for a bit and it's still quicker than many older generation STi's (stock ones or minimally modded ones that is.) If this car was any better I'd be in jail already. Later.

how much was the ms3? was the price difference with a wrx premium?

Well I got the MS3 GT (with HID, rain sensing wipers, and auto on headlights) for 22K even which is 23.6K OTD.

It was such a deal that I had to jump on it. the WRX prem. they were asking 27K without NAV... so I didn't really haggle.

Between the two (09 MS3 or 09 WRX), its a matter of wanting creature comforts or engineering? The MS3 has a little of both, but it can't touch the 09 WRX in performance. I test drove both before buying an 09 WRX hatch and settled on the slightly more expensive and yes, less appointed WRX. Mine is base tier WRX, 4 speaker sound system, no nav, etc.....I stillhad to go this route. Cost OTD 26,530. Needless to say, I settled for the engineering and what's under the "skin."

I've driven two 03 wrx, an 08 wrx, 07 sti and 09 wrx. I gotta say that the 09 is probably the best bang for the buck. Perfect for daily commutes, makes great power in stock/bolt on trim, and is priced to sell. When the 08's came out I figured it would be cool to have a refined looking wrx, then after driving one I didn't like the power too much. After driving the 09 we have a hit. I almost traded my 03 wrx in on one.

Between the two (09 MS3 or 09 WRX), its a matter of wanting creature comforts or engineering? The MS3 has a little of both, but it can't touch the 09 WRX in performance. I test drove both before buying an 09 WRX hatch and settled on the slightly more expensive and yes, less appointed WRX. Mine is base tier WRX, 4 speaker sound system, no nav, etc.....I stillhad to go this route. Cost OTD 26,530. Needless to say, I settled for the engineering and what's under the "skin."

Glad you enjoy your purchase as well! Since you test drove both - which clutch was more difficult in your opinion? Reason why I ask... is many MS3 owners have said the clutch on the MS3 is really hard to drive... compared to other cars.

My MS3 was my first stick shift - so I didn't have any prior experience and can't compare (yet). I do plan on going by a Subaru dealership sometime to test drive the 09 WRX. Last time I only rode in it.

Glad you enjoy your purchase as well! Since you test drove both - which clutch was more difficult in your opinion? Reason why I ask... is many MS3 owners have said the clutch on the MS3 is really hard to drive... compared to other cars.

My MS3 was my first stick shift - so I didn't have any prior experience and can't compare (yet). I do plan on going by a Subaru dealership sometime to test drive the 09 WRX. Last time I only rode in it.

Both pretty tight. The WRX was pretty touchey, particuarly starting out in 1st. I grew up on MT, but have had automatics for the last 8 or 9 years. Just took a little getting re-acquanited with them. Like a dumb-ass, I actually stalled the WRX on the test drive with the salesman when he first handed it over to me. I REALLY felt like a newbie then. All is good now though.

Hi GuysI have got a client with a Subaru Impreza WRX GT year 1993 Japan Spec. Has anyone here ever tuned one of this cars....? Can anyone tell me how this ECU can be done...?Attached a picture of the ECU...Thanks

i just got my 09 wr blue hatch in the beginning of september and I love it! it puts a smile on my face when i get to drive it.. i actually like the design of the interior, it suits the wrx very well, but i dont like the fact its all hard plastic. I wish it was the material used in the previous gen wrx which was like vinyl and foam i believe? This thing is a beast stock, i came from a S2000, so ive never really had torque haha untill this car..anyways i got a great deal when they were clearing the 09's out .. i got it for 23700 otd ..came with fog lights and a cargo tray also..we have no sales tax here in oregon =)

Really glad I found this thread....I'm new to the board and joined as i'm planning on leasing a wrx soon. I currently have a 430hp boosted s2000, but now need something for winter dd. I love that you can adjust the diff settings on the sti, but I am having a tuff time justifying the cost of the sti. For those that made the leap on the new wrx, do you have any regrets that it wasn't an sti? I figure for a lease your not stuck in it. If I were to buy I think I would look for a used 08 sti. thanks!

uh...the 08...yea...i have the 09 and i love it, it puts a big smile on my face every morning i wake up at 4 am to go to work, and let me assure you when i was driving the 2000 izusu rodeo i was like this -.- but now with the wrx im lik O_O on the road going to work, im not speeding or anything its just so darn cool to drive. and i LOVE THE interior it looks really spiffy.

I have been hearing that quality isn't so good on the newer models... has that been anybody here's experience ?